Electromagnetic power-generator.



PATENTBD SEPT. 5, 1905.

J. L. POTTER. ELEGTROMAGNETIG'POWER GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED APB.3, 1805.

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PATENTED SEPT. 5, 1905.

J. L. POTTER. ELECTROMAGNETIC POWER GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 3, 1905.

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JOSEPH L. POTTER, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POWER-GENERATOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 5, 1905.

Application flied April 3, 1905. Serial No. 253,613.

To aZZ whom may concern:

Be it known that I, J osnrH L. POTTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, have invented new and useful Improvements in Electromagnetic Power-Generators; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention. reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to power-generators that are dependent upon electrical energy as their sources of power; and the invention has reference particularly to armatures and electromagnets and the arrangement thereof whereby the electrical energy may be practi-' cally applied; and the invention has reference also particularly to cases for holding and supporting electric batteries and supporting the mechanism of the power-generators.

Objects of the invention are, first, to provide improved mechanism in electromagnetic generators of the type having successivelyattracted armatures, which mechanism may be adapted to' be manufactured small cost in order to be suitable for use as toys, as Well as being adapted for more elaborate construction for practical uses, and, sec 0nd, to provide compact and cheap mechanical toys that may be instructive and educational in their character and whereby other mechanical toys may be operated.

The invention consists, broadly, in a novel combination case and frame containing therein a battery-cell and supporting electromagnetic generator mechanism on the exterior thereof; and the invention consists, further, in a plurality of improved armatures operating in a novel manner in parallel pla'nes opposite an electromagnet and having a novel direct mechanical connector whereby the armatures may in succession transmit motion and power While actuated in succession independently and directly by the electromagnet.

The invention consists, further and specifically, in the novel parts and in the combinations and arrangements of parts, as hereinafter particularly described and claimed.

Referring to the drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of a generator constructed substantially in accordance with the invention, parts thereof, however, being subject to variation in shape and arrangement within the scope of the invention; Fig; 2, a fragmentary end eleat relatively l l l l vation; Fig. 3, a top plan view; Fig. 4, a fragmentary end elevation; Fig. 5, a perspective view of one of the armatures shown in the preceding figures; Fig. 6, a fragmentary side elevation of the combination case and frame on which the armatures are modified in shape and arrangement, as are also the armature, connector, and the power-transmitting mechanism; Fig. 7, a fragmentary transverse sectional view on the line A A in Fig. 6; Fig. 8,

a fragmentary top plan of the devices shown in Figs. 6 and 7; Fig. 9, a side elevation of the apparatus in which various parts thereof are modified in form and arrangement, the balance-wheel being omitted; Fig. 10, an end elevation thereof; Fig. 11, a top plan of the apparatus complete; Fig. 12, a transverse vertical sectional view on the lineXXin Fig. 9; Fig. 13, a plan view of the inverted modified apparatus; Fig. 14, an end elevation of the armatu res and improved connector therefor, shown all in one plane; Fig. 15, a perspective view of the connector attached to an armature; Fig. 16, a perspective view of one of the improved armatures.

In practically carrying out the invention slight modifications may be made in the forms and arrangement of a number of the elements thereof, in each case, however, the armatures being arranged side by side and influenced independ ntly and directly by the electromagnet.

The combination case and frame combines in a single structure a frame or support for the mechanism of the generator and a holder for the battery and comprises a base part B, preferably composed of wood, and a shell O, preferably composed of sheet brass or other metal and formed so as to be approximately U shape or other suitable shape in cross-section and secured to the base part by screws a or nails, one or both ends of the case being open to receive the battery-cell. The middle portions of the curved portion of the shell are partially severed therefrom and bent out in the forms of cars D and D, Which stand up at right angles to the plane of the base part, communicating openings 5 7/ being left in the top of theshell and also opposing projections 0 c for supporting make-and-break devices. A rotative shaft E is mounted in the ears D and D and is provided with a crank-arm F, having a cranl'z-pin (Z, a pulley c and a balance-wheel f being secured to the shaft at either side of the ear D.

A dry battery Gr is inserted removably in the case and rests on its side upon the base part B, the base being provided at an end thereof with an anchor-piece H, to which the zinc element 0 of the battery is connected for holding the battery in the case and also for providing a circuit-wire connection. The carbon element 71/ is thus situated above the other element of the battery.

At one side of the case a horizontal pivotstud 't' is secured thereto and extends outwardly. A yoke I is also secured to the outer side of the case, opposite an edge of the base part thereof, and cores J and J, having suitable windings, are attached to the yoke and form an electromagnet. A stop K is formed by stamping out a portion of the shell C and projects horizontally therefrom somewhat near the top of the electromagnet.

The armatures L, L, and L are formed as bars of considerable lengths, each having a pivot-hole e" to receive the pivot a, all of the armatures being pivoted thereon and having each a counterbalancing end 7', the armatures extending across and above the electromagnet and in parallel planes, so that each armature may have direct contact with the magnetcores, although as preferably constructed actual contact is prevented by the stop K, which the armatures engage in order that they may not stick to the cores if the latter should not become freely dcmagnetized owing to faulty material thereof. Any suitable number of armatures may be provided, three being shown herein. The armature L has a projection 70, and the armature L has a projection 7t" somewhat longer than the projection ]r, and additional armatures would have still longer projections, each one different in length, so that when one armature and the projections of the others rest upon a common support or connector the bodies of the different armatures will be in different planes with respect to the support.

A connector M, serving also as a pitman, is pivoted to the pin (Z and is provided with a projection Z for engagement with the armature L and the projections of the other armatures, the lower end of the connector being guided by a guide m, that is attached to the shell O and formed of a stamped-out part thereof.

In Figs. 6, 7, and 8 a single magnet-core J is shown on a bracket n, attached to the shell C. A pitman M is connected to the crank F of the rotative shaft E, which is arranged in a position slightly different to that of the shaft E, above mentioned. A working beam N is mounted on a pivot p and has one end thereof connected to the pitman M, the opposite end of the beam being pivoted to an upright connector M, that has a horizontal projection Z. The armatures L, L", and L are pivoted in parallel vertical planes to a bracket q, that is attached to the ear D, the armatures extending through guide-slots r in the ear the slots being of different lengths vertically and the bottoms thereof being in dilfcrent planes and serving as stops for the armatures. The ends of the armatures are bent downwardly toward the magnet-core, so as to be different in lengths measured vertically, the shorter onebeing in the longer guide-slot and all of the armatures extending over the projection Z, so as to be gathered and lifted thereby in succession and to transmit power to the projection successively when carried within the influence of the cores and influenced thereby. The upper end of the connector M is guided by a guide 8, attached to the ear I).

A make-and-break device comprises a suitable cam O, secured to the rotative main shaft, a brush P, mounted on the projection c, and a brush P, mounted on the projection 0. circuit-wire t connects the brush P with the element h of the battery by means of the screw it, a wire a connects the element of the battery, either directly by means of the screw g or by means of the anchor-piece H, with the winding of the core J of the electromagnet, and a wire w connects the brush P with the winding of the core J. Other arrangements of the wires of course may be adopted, if desired.

The preferred forms and arrangements of certain of the elements of the apparatus are illustrated in Figs. 9 to 16, inclusive. The battery G is inverted with respect to its position in Figs. 1 to f, so that the element 7 is above the element 72.. An anchor-piece H has a base-plate 10 extending under the part B of the case and secured thereto, the main part of the piece H extending upwardly beyond an end of the case and having a suitable forked end receiving the binding-screw h of the element 7t, thereby forming electrical connection and assisting in holding the battery in the case. The yoke Iis provided with extensions 17 and 18, that are secured against the under side of the part B, and thereby supporting the yoke which supports the magnetcores J and J, the tops of which have extension-plates J J, the better to accommodate a plurality of armatures in side-by-side arrangement. The elect-romagnet is provided with a guard {0, extending about it andv secured to the shell C of the case. A bracket 1 is attached to the shell 0, being formed by a stamped-out part thereof, and supports the pivot d, on which the plurality of armatures are mounted. A stop K is fixed to the top of the spool of the core J and extends slightly higher than the plate J and is adapted to be engaged by the armatures to prevent contact thereof with the plates J 3 and J although in some cases the stop may be omitted if the material of the cores and extension-plates bepcrfect for the purpose. The armatures L, L, and L operate in parallel vertical planes above the electromagnet about their supporting- D, pivot '0' in substantially the same manner as wheel f continuing the motion of the the armatures above described, particularly l ism, and after those shown in Figs. 1 to 4:, and the armature L is substantiallylike thearmatureL, the armature L having an attached projection 22, adapted to perform the functions of the projection k of the armature L and also extending across the sides of the armature as guides for the adjacent armatures. A connector Q is secured rigidly to the armature L and extends under the armature L" and the projection 22 of the armature L A pitman M is pivoted to the pin (Z of the crank-arm F, and it has a pivot .2 whereby the connector Q is pivoted thereto. An insulator 19 is secured to the top of the shell C and supports a brush P that extends below the shaft E, and a cam O, which is secured to the shaft so as to have intermittentcontactwiththebrush. Aspringswitch R is mounted on the insulator by means of a pivotal bolt 20 and nut 21 and is adapted to be connected to the brush and to be disconnected therefrom, the bolt and nut also -connecting an angle-piece S to the switch, the pieceS extendingover the end of the shell C to the element 9 of the battery and is connected thereto by the binding-screw g. A.

screw (4 connects a circuit-wire 23 to the shell Cof the case, whereby a circuit may be formed with the cam O, the wire being connected to the winding of the core J. A wire 24 connects the windings of the two cores J and J, and a wire 25 connects the winding of the core J with the base wet the piece H, extending along a groove 26 in the bottom of the part B.

It will be understood, of course, that the cam O is insulated from the shaft E and that if not insulated the brush P may be dispensed with and the wire 0; connected to the shell O of the case, and any suitable switch may be employed with the wires. 2

In practical use the results will be sul stantially the same with the several forms and arrangements of the constituent elements of the apparatus. Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 and assuming that the magnet-cores are energized, the armature L would be drawn onto the stop K and nearly to the cores J J, the armature in its movement depressing the connector M by means of its projection so that the other two armatures would descend also until the armature L could be influenced by the cores, when it would exert its influence upon the projection Z and push it below the armatureL when the latter may have stopped. When the armature L is stopped, the armature L is within the influence of the cores, since it would follow the projection Z and would then exert its power thereon and push it below the projection it of the armature L until arrested by the stop K or by the cores if the stop were not provided, after which the connector M may descend farther while the cores have been demagnetized, the balancethe pin (Z has passed its lower center and thence upwardly projection will first pick up the armature L and then the others in succession, and after the pin passes its upper center the cores will be again magnetized and the operations above described will be automatically repeated continuously, the cam 0 making and breaking the electric circuit at the proper periods.

Referring to Figs. 6 to 8, the operation would be as follows: The armature L being represented as having been drawn slightly toward the magnet-core J would continue and push the projection Z with it, and thereby the connector M causing the pitman M to push up the crank F. After the armature has been arrested by its guide-slot r the armatures L and L in turn will be drawn by the core and transmit the power to the connector projection Z until stopped in turn. Then the connector will descend slightly and then re-- turn and pick up the armatures in successionlirst the armature L and then the othersall being removed beyond the influence of the magnet except the armature Referring to Figs. 9 to 12, it will be seen that the crank-pin (Z is in proper position to have the power applied thereto to draw it downwardly. If the switch It now be connected to the brush 0, the circuit will be completed and the core extensions J and J" magnetized, and they will draw toward them the armature L, which will force down the connector Q, the other two armatures following on the connector, the pitman M being drawn downwardly. When the armature L has moved sufliciently to be influenced by the magnet, it will push the connector beyond the armature L, the latter resting on the stop K or on the core extensions if no stop is provided. When the armature L becomes influenced by the magnet, it will push the connector below the armature 7 until stopped by the pitman M or the stop K if there be lost motion in the pitman connections. After the crank-pin (Z has passed its lower center the armature L will be lifted first and then the others successively, and the motion will continue automatically, each armature applying its power directly to the connector independently of the other armatures. Fig. 14c shows the armatures as they would appear relatively when all in one plane, as when close to the magnet.

Various other modifications may made within the spirit and intent vention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new isfairly be of the in- 1. An electromagnetic power-generator ineluding a combination case and frame formed as a single hollow structure having an open end to receive a battery-cell and provided on its exterior with a shaft-stmport, a rotative meehaucrank-shaft mounted in the support, and

IIO

- rior of the case and power-generating mechanism mounted on the exterior of the case and frame and connected to the crank-shaft.

2. An electromagnetic power-generator including a combination hollow case and frame formed as a single structure having an open end to receive a battery-cell and provided on its exterior with a pair of shaft-supports, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the pair of supports, and power-generating mechanism mounted on the exterior of the case and frame and connected to the crank-shaft.

3. An electromagnetic power-generator including a combination hollow case and frame formed as a single structure having an open end to receive a battery-cell and provided with a pair of shaft-supports attached thereto at opposite sides thereof, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the pair of supports, and powergenerating mechanism mounted on the exteframe and connected to the crank-shaft.

t. An electromagnetic power-generator including a combination case and frame formed as a single tubular structure having an open end to receive a battery-cell and provided at the opposite end with an anchor-piece secured to the structure and partially closing the end thereof for securing the cell in the structure, a pair of shaft-supports attached to opposite sides of the structure, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the supports, and power-generating mechanism mounted on the exterior of the structure in proximity to one of the shaftsupports and connected to the crank-shaft.

5. An electromagnetic power-generator including a combination case and frame formed as a single hollou structure having an open end to receive a battery-cell, a pair of shaftsupports formed of integral parts of the structure pressed out froma side thereof, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the shaft-supports, a battery-cell extending longitudinally partially between parts of the shaft-supports in proximity to the crank-shaft, and electromagnetic power-generating mechanism mounted on the exterior of the hollow structure in proximity to an end of the crank-shaft and connected to the crank thereof.

6. An electromagnetic power-generator including a supporting structure of tubular form comprising a sheet-metal shell having a curved side and a pair of straight parallel sides and a base part attached to the straight sides of the shell of the structure, a pair of shaft-supports attached to the shell of the structure, a batterycell in the structure in a plane between the shaft-supports, a crank-shaft mounted in the supports and extending across the batterycell in proximity to a side thereof, electromagnetic power-generating mechanism mounted on the exterior of the structure in proximity to an end of the crank-shaft and connected to the crank thereof, a cam secured to the crankshaft, and a brush mounted on the shell of the to the yoke and having structure and extending longitudinally thereof to the cam.

7. An electromagnetic power-generator including a combination case and frame comprising a base part and a shell part attached to the base part, the shell part being composed of bent sheet metal having parts thereof stamped out and forming integral shaft-supports, an anchor-piece attached to the base part and an insulated anchor-piece secured to the shell part of the case and frame and having a switch connected therewith, an insulated brush mounted on the shell part of the case and frame in connection with the switch, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the shaftsupports, a cam attached to the crank-shaft in proximity to the brush, a magnet-core, a movable armature, a connection between the armature and the crank-shaft, and a batterycell in the case and frame having its elements attached to the anchor-pieces.

8. An electromagnetic power-generator including a battery, a combined case and frame inclosing the battery and comprising a base part and also a shell part approximately U shape in cross-section attached at its edges to the base part, shaft-supports attached to opposite sides of the shell part of the case and frame, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the supports, a core supported by the shell of the case and frame, a pivot attached to a part of the shell of the case and frame, a plurality of bar-shape armatures mounted on the pivot and extending opposite to the core, a connector cooperating with the plurality of armatures and connected to the crank of the crankshaft, and an anchor-piece secured to the base part of the case and frame and connected to an element of the battery-cell.

9. An electromagnetic power-generator including a tubular combination case and frame having parts thereof forming shaft-supports, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the supports, a battery-cell in the case and frame adjacent to the supports and also to the crankshaft, a cam attached to the crank-shaft, a brush mounted on the case and frame and extending along the outer side thereof opposite to the cam, a yoke attached to the tubular case and frame, a pivot secured to a part of the case and frame, a pair of cores attached lateral end extensions, a plurality of bar shape armatures mounted on the pivot and all having independent intermittent operative engagement with each one and both of the pair of cores, and a connector pivoted to the crank of the crank-shaft and having intermittent engagement with the plurality of armatures.

10. An electromagnetic powergenerator including an electromagnet, a fixed pivot, a plurality of bar-shape armatures mounted on the pivot and each cooperating directly with the corepf the electromagnet, one or more of the armatures having a projection at a side thereof, a rotative crank-shaft, a movable connector having intermittent engagement with the projection or projections of the armature or armatures and also with the body of another armature and connected with the crank of the crank-shaft.

11. An electromagnetic power-generator including an electromagnet-core, a fixed pivot, a plurality of bar-shape armatures mounted on the pivot magnetically insulated one from the other and periodically extending radially from the pivot opposite to the electromagnet, the electromagnet-core drawing all of the armatures in succession thereto, a rotative crank-shaft, and a connector connected with the crank-shaft and having periodical engagement with the plurality of armatures.

12. An electromagnetic power-generator including a supporting structure, a magnetcore having a lateral extension on the end thereof, a plurality of pivoted armatures collectively operating periodically in practical connection with the core and the extension thereof, a rotative crank-shaft, and a connector for the armatures in connection with the crank-shaft.

13. An electromagnetic power-generator including an electromagnet, a fixed pivot, a plurality of bar-shape armatures mounted on the pivot intermediately of their ends and extending opposite to the electromagnet, each armature being thereby counterbalanced, and a connector for the plurality of armatures.

14. An electromagnetic power-generator including an electromagnet, a fixed pivot, a plurality of bar-shape armatures mounted on the pivot and extending opposite to the electromagnet, one of the armatures having a connector attached thereto and guided thereby, and another one of the armatures having periodical connection with the connector.

15. An electromagnetic powergenerator including an electromagnet, a fixed pivot, a plurality of bar-shape armatures mounted on the pivot, a rotative crank-shaft, a pitman connected to the crank of the crank-shaft, a connector secured rigidly to one of the plul I l l l I rality of armatures and pivoted to the pitman, the remainder of the plurality of armatures being periodically engaged by the connector.

16. An electromagnetic powergenerator including an electromagnet, a fixed pivot, a plurality of bar-shape armatures mounted on the pivot and extending oppositely to the electromagnet, a fixed stop limiting the movements of the armatures toward the electromagnet, and a mechanical connector for the plurality of armatures.

17. An electromagnetic power-generator including an electromagnet, a fixed pivot, stationary guides, a plurality of bar'shape armatures mounted on the pivot and extending op- .positely to the electromagnet and in connection with the stationary guides, and a mechanical connector for the plurality of armatures.

18. An electromagnetic powergenerator including a combination ease and frame having an opening in a side thereof and also having a pair of shaft-supports attached integrally thereto at opposite sides of the opening, a rotative crank-shaft mounted in the supports, a cam on the crank-shaft, a batterycell in the ease and frame visible through the opening therein, and a brush mounted on the exterior of the case and frame adjacent to the opening therein and extending to the cam.

19. An electromagnetic powergenerator including an electromagnet comprising a plurality of fixed cores, a fixed pivot, a bar-shape armature mounted on the pivot and extending opposite to the ends of the plurality of cores and periodically moving toward the plurality of cores with part of the armature approaching one of the cores in advance of another part thereof that approaches another one of the plurality of cores of the armature, and a mechanical connector for the armature.

Intestimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH L. POTTER.

Witnesses:

\VM. H. PAYNE, E. T. SILvIUs. 

